INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

for Aluminum Windows with Nail Fin (JII004)

Thank you for selecting JELD-WEN products. Attached are JELD-WEN’s

recommended installation instructions for Aluminum windows with
an integral nail fin. Not all window types may be installed into every
wall condition in all areas. Consult your local building code official
for applicable building codes and regulations. Local building code
requirements supersede recommended installation instructions. Areas
such as Florida and the Texas TDI region have different anchoring
requirements based on product certification. For information on specific
products, visit www.floridabuilding.org or www.tdi.texas.gov and
follow the anchoring schedule given in the drawings for the product
instead of the anchoring schedule in this document.

Newer construction methods have led to an increase in air and water

tightness in buildings. This frequently leads to negative air pressure
inside the home, which can draw water through very small openings.
Our installation method integrates the window with the weather
barrier of the structure (typically building wrap).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND GLOSSARY

Please Note! Installations where the sill is higher than 35 feet above Mulled Unit
ground level, or any product installation into a wall condition not Two or more window units structurally joined together.
specifically addressed in these instructions, must be designed by an Precast Sill
architect or structural engineer. Failure to install windows into square, A pre-formed concrete block placed in the sill of a masonry/block wall to
level, and plumb openings could result in denial of warranty claims for support a window.
operational or performance problems.
Shiplap
Note to Installer: Provide a copy of these instructions to the building The layering method in which each layer overlaps the layer below it so
owner. By installing this product, you acknowledge the terms and that water runs down the outside.
conditions of the limited product warranty as part of the terms of
Weep Hole (weep channel)
the sale.
The visible exit or entry part of a water drainage system used to drain
water out of a window.
GLOSSARY
Buck
A wood framework attached to the masonry inside a window or
patio door rough opening. Estimated Install First Time: 2 hrs
12 1
11

Mull Joint
2
Time for New
10
Experienced: 1.5 hrs 9 3
8 4

The joint where two or more window units are structurally Construction 7 6 5

Professional: 1 hr
joined together.

ROUGH OPENINGS

This installation guide specifically addresses masonry/block wall, OPEN-STUD CONSTRUCTION

sheathed wall and open-stud construction.
If self-adhesive flashing is to be
MASONRY/BLOCK WALL CONSTRUCTION applied so that it is wider than Sheathed Wall
the framing of the wall, it may Header
This installation assumes that
be necessary to cover the wall
a framework of studs (often
with backing support sufficient
called a buck) has already been
to support the entire width of
properly fastened and sealed to
the flashing. King Trimmer
the concrete/masonry wall by a stud studs
building professional. This backing support should be a
Buck non water-degradable, thin (max. Sheathing
1/8" thick) sheet material such
as vinyl sheeting. Completely
surround the rough opening with
the backing support. Backing support must be applied before building
FULLY SHEATHED WALL CONSTRUCTION
wrap. The window will be mounted with the nailing fin flush against
The wall framing is covered by sheathing. Windows will be mounted the applied backing support.
flush against the sheathing. This installation assumes building wrap is
properly installed prior to installation.
 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
for Aluminum Windows with Nailing Fin (JII004)

SAFETY AND HANDLING

SAFETY MATERIALS AND WINDOW HANDLING

• Read and fully understand ALL manufacturers’ instructions before
beginning. Failure to follow proper installation instructions
may result in the denial of warranty claims for operational or
performance problems.
• Do not work alone. Two or more people are required. Use safe
lifting techniques.
• Use caution when handling glass. Broken or cracked glass can cause
serious injury.
• Wear protective gear (e.g. safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, etc.).
• Operate hand/power tools safely and follow manufacturer’s
operating instructions.
• Use caution when working at elevated heights.
• If disturbing existing paint, take proper precautions if lead paint is
suspected (commonly used before 1979). Your regional EPA
(www. epa.gov/lead) or Consumer Product Safety Commission offices
provide information regarding regulations and lead protection.
• Make sure operable windows are locked prior to installation.
• Heed material manufacturers’ handling and application instructions.
• Protect adhesive surfaces from dirt, moisture, direct sunlight and
folding over onto themselves.
• Handle in vertical position; do not carry flat or drag on floor.
• Do not put stress on joints, corners or frames.
• Store window in dry, well-ventilated area in vertical, leaning position
to allow air circulation; do not stack horizontally.
• Protect from exposure to direct sunlight during storage.
• Install only into vertical walls and when conditions and sheathing
are dry.
IF INJURY OCCURS, IMMEDIATELY SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION!

MATERIALS AND TOOLS

NEEDED MATERIALS For installations into a stud-framed wall:

Note! Follow all material manufacturers’ instructions for proper use • 4", 6", or 9" (as required by local code and window configuration)
and compatibility. When using flashing, spray adhesive/primer, sealant wide self-adhesive flashing: We recommend OSI® Butyl Flash Tape
and foam products, we recommend using the same manufacturer and or equivalent.
verifying compatibility. It is the End User's responsibility to determine if • Spray adhesive/primer for self adhesive flashing. Such as Loctite® 300
dissimilar materials are compatible to the substrates in the application. or equivalent.
• 1 3/4" galvanized roofing nails or #8 x 1 1/4" pan head or washer • For mulled units, a drip cap 1/8" longer than the frame width is
head (stainless steel recommended) screws. Fasteners must penetrate required (if not supplied).
at least 1" into framing (or as required by local code).
For installations into a buck:
• For mulled and/or PG50 or above units: #8 x 1 1/4" pan head or
• Liquid applied flashing (Protecto Wrap LWM 200 or equivalent).
washer head (stainless steel recommended) screws. Screws must
penetrate at least 1" into framing (or as required by local code). NEEDED TOOLS
• Sealant: We recommend OSI® QUAD® Max Sealant or equivalent. This • Utility knife • Caulking gun
can be used in any exterior application and can be painted or ordered
in a color matched product, if desired. • J-roller • Level (4' minimum
• Hammer recommended)
• Backer rod 1/8" larger than the widest portion of the gap (used in
conjunction with sealant bead). • Tape measure • Drill with bits

• Polyurethane low expansion Window and Door foam: We recommend

OSI® QUAD® Foam or equivalent.
• Non-compressible or water degradable shims.

2
 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
for Aluminum Windows with Nailing Fin (JII004)

1 REMOVE PACKAGING AND INSPECT WINDOW

REMOVE PACKAGING
Remove shipping materials such as corner covers, shipping blocks or
pads. If there is a protective film on the glass, do not remove it until
installation and construction are complete.
• Splits, cracks, holes, missing sections or other damage to the nail fin
longer than 6" and/or within 1/2" of window frame
• For side-by-side mulled units, a drip cap that extends the length of the
frame plus 1/8" overhang on each end is required.

INSPECT WINDOW If any of the above conditions represent a concern, or if you expect
environmental conditions to exceed the window’s performance
• Cosmetic damage rating, do not install the window. Contact your dealer or distributor
• Product squareness (diagonal measurements not more than for recommendations.
1/8" different)
• Correct product (size, color, grid pattern, handing, glazing, energy-
efficiency requirements, etc.)

2 INSPECT ROUGH OPENING

• Verify the width and height
of the window are each
1/2"-5/8" smaller than the
rough opening width and
height. Mulled units should
be 3/4" narrower.
• Verify the rough opening
is square. The (A) and (B)
measurements above should
be the same. Maximum
allowable deviation from
square is 1/8" for windows
20 sq. ft. and smaller, and
1/4" for windows larger than
20 sq. ft.
• Verify the rough opening is level and plumb (C) and (D). The
Verify Square, Level, and Plumb maximum allowable deviation is 1/16" for every 2' of rough opening
(not to exceed 1/8").
• The rough opening sill must not be crowned or sagged (D), but rather
level or sloped (positive slope) to the exterior.
A
• The exterior face of the rough opening must be in a single plane (E)
A
E with less than 1/8" twist from corner to corner.
C
C E • Verify the header is supported by trimmer studs.
D FOR RETROFIT INSTALLATIONS
B B D
After removing the old window, remove sufficient cladding (siding,
stucco etc.) to expose enough intact building wrap to properly seal
the window to the opening. If damaged, apply new building wrap in
shiplap manner. Verify the rough opening framing is structurally sound.
Contact your local waste management entities for proper disposal or
recycling of products being removed.

3 PREPARE BUCK

Note! This section applies to
installations into a masonry
wall only. For installations into
a stud-framed wall, begin with
section 4, “PREPARE STUD-
FRAMED WALL.”
1. Seal any joint larger than
1/16" in the buck and
between the buck and
the concrete/masonry
with sealant.
2. Cover the buck and the
surrounding concrete/
masonry at the head and jambs with liquid applied flashing as shown.
3. If installing into a four-sided buck, seal the sill in a similar manner.
Note! Where the window will sit on the sill, shim to provide continuous
support to the sill. This shimming must be 1/2" shorter than the width
Liquid
applied of the window frame, be 1/4" narrower than the depth of the window
flashing frame sill, should level the rough opening sill and be no more than
1/4" thick.
4. Align the shimming on the sill flush with the exterior and centered
Sealant
joints between the side jambs. If installing a mulled unit, leave gaps at the
mull joint(s) so they don’t sit on the shimming and tack into place or
secure with sealant. SKIP to section 5, “INSTALL WINDOW.”

3

4 PREPARE STUD-FRAMED WALL
PREPARE BUILDING WRAP
Note! Check with the building
wrap manufacturer to verify
the following steps will not
void their product warranty.
1. Trim building wrap flush
with the rough opening.
2. At the head, cut building
wrap at 45° and tape up
as shown.
3. Trim the sides sufficiently
to allow the nailing fin
to be mounted against
the sheathing.
PREPARE/SHIM THE SILL
1. Use self adhesive flashing to
waterproof the sill.
2. Flashing must have at least
2" of visible material below
nail fin. Flashing width must
be at least measurement
A + B + 1 3/4".
3. Measure the width of the
frame from the interior to
the nail fin (measurement A)
and subtract 1/4". Transfer
this measurement from the
outside edge of the rough
opening sill and draw a line
all along the rough opening
sill. This is where the back of
the flashing will sit.
4. Cut a piece of flashing the length of the sill plus 12".
5 INSTALL WINDOW
WARNING! To avoid injury, use at least two people to install.
Adequately support the window until completely fastened.
1. Run a continuous 3/8"
bead of sealant around the
interior side of the nail fin
on the side jambs and head.
On the sill, leave at least a
2" gap every 8" where it will
contact the rough opening.
2. Place window onto the
shimming and tilt into
the rough opening. The
window sill must rest on and
be fully supported by the
shimming support.
3. Fasten window with a
galvanized roofing nail
through the nail fin
between 3"- 7" from one
upper corner.
4
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
for Aluminum Windows with Nailing Fin (JII004)
5. Place flashing on rough
opening sill, wrapping the
flashing up 6" on each jamb
as shown.
6. Pull release tape and set
flashing into place.
7. Fold the flashing down onto
45° the sheathing. Mechanically
fasten if necessary.
8. Smooth out any bubbles
or creases with a J-roller.
Remove and replace
if necessary. Depth of
window
9. Install the shimming support minus 1/4"
as follows:
Continuous
Note! Where the window will support
sit on the sill, shim to provide
continuous support to the sill.
Interior This shimming must be 1/4"
narrower than the depth of 2" min.
Flashing Nail fin position
B the window frame sill, should
A level the rough opening
Measure sill and be no more than
frame
width
1/4" thick.
10. Align the shimming on the sill flush with the exterior and centered
between the side jambs. If installing a mulled unit, leave gaps at the
mull joint(s) so they don't sit on the shimming and tack into place or
Width of
rough opening 12" secure with sealant.
4. Shim at each interlock, or
in the center, and within
4"- 6" of each corner on 6"
Interlock
the side and head jambs.
Apply additional shims to 8"
the side and head jambs as
necessary to ensure window
position within the opening Center
is plumb, level, and square.
Larger windows usually
Gap
need additional shims. Shims
can be secured with sealant
3"- 7" or adhesive.
Jamb
5. Inspect window for square,
Rough
level, and plumb. Test for opening
proper operation (remove
Shim
and reinstall if necessary).
Interior
 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
for Aluminum Windows with Nailing Fin (JII004)

5 INSTALL WINDOW - CONTINUED

SECURE WINDOW • Fasten windows through the

nail fin holes 3" - 7" from
Areas such as Florida and the Texas TDI region have different anchoring the corners and 8" apart all
requirements based on product certification. For information on specific the way around the window. 3"- 7"
products, visit www.floridabuilding.org or www.tdi.texas.gov and
follow the anchoring schedule given in the drawings for the product • Remove the shims from the
instead of the anchoring schedule in this document. side jambs. 8"
Note! Fastener (anchor) heads must be flush. Do not dent nailing fin.

See
4" 4" 4" #10 x 1 1/2" Truss head screw table

Window Window Nail fin

Mull joint

6 FLASH WINDOW - WINDOWS INSTALLED INTO STUD-FRAMING ONLY

Cut pieces of self-adhesive flashing as follows: APPLY THE SELF-ADHESIVE FLASHING

MIN. SIZES OR PG50 or below Above PG50 Note! Keep the edge of the
OTHER SPECIFIED (4" flashing) (6" flashing) self-adhesive flashing as
One header piece 10" longer than 14" longer than close to the window frame as
the header the header possible and apply over the
nail fin.
Two side pieces 8" longer than 12" longer than
the jamb the jamb 1. Apply the side pieces
starting 3" above the header
and overlap the flashing on Flashing
SPRAY ADHESIVE/PRIMER
the sill as shown.
Protect window from 2. Install drip cap if required.
overspray and apply spray Width of flashing Pre drill through the nailing 3"
adhesive according to fin if required.
instructions on the product to 3. Center and apply the header
ive
hes

nailing fin and building wrap piece above the header,

Ad

around the window as shown. overlapping the side pieces

ray
Sp

as shown.
4. Press the flashing down with
a J-roller, being careful to
remove any gaps or bubbles
beneath self-adhesive
flashing (remove and 1"
replace if necessary).
1"

5
 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
for Aluminum Windows with Nailing Fin (JII004)

7 COMPLETE INSTALLATION

1. Release the building wrap AFTER INSTALLATION

from above the header
(previously taped up) Sealant • Ensure weep holes/channels are clear of debris for proper water
and overlap the header drainage. Do not seal weep holes/channels.
flashing. Seal the ends with • Install exterior wall surface per manufactures’ guidelines.
self-adhesive flashing or • Leave an expansion/contraction gap of approximately 3/8" between
building wrap tape. door frame and final exterior wall surface (siding, stucco, etc.). For a
2. Adjust window for finished look and additional protection, seal this gap on the sides with
best operation. backer rod and sealant. If sealant is applied above the drip cap ensure
3. Seal the top corners of the sealant bead is discontinuous to allow for drainage.
the window with a 1/4" • Protect recently installed units from damage from plaster, paint, etc.
bead of sealant. Tool into a by covering the unit with plastic.
fillet shape.
CONTINUOUS AIR SEAL
Create a continuous air seal on the interior by integrating the rough
opening and the window frame with low expansion polyurethane foam
or backer rod and sealant.

Please visit jeld-wen.com for warranty

and care and maintenance information.

Thank you for choosing

©2014 JELD-WEN, inc.; This publication and its contents are owned by JELD-WEN, inc. and are protected under the U.S. Copyright Act and other intellectual
property laws. All trademarks, service marks, logos and the like (whether registered or unregistered) are owned or controlled by JELD-WEN, inc. or others.
Unauthorized use or duplication of JELD-WEN intellectual property is prohibited.
JELD-WEN reserves the right to change product specifications without notice. Please check our website, jeld-wen.com, for current information. (07/14)